The Sunday Brief

The Sunday Brief (June 15, 2014)

June 15, 2014/0 Comments/in Human Interest, Marketing/by Heather-Anne MacLean

Welcome to this week’s Sunday Brief. The Sunday Brief is intended to be my medium to share with you a few of my top picks from the previous week in one short collection. I can’t believe that we are already in the middle of June. School is ending for another year and people’s minds will begin, if they have not already, to shift to summer holidays. But before we drift off into the lazy days of summer, here are my top three picks from the previous week:

1. Michael Hyatt’s Why People Who Sleep Longer Achieve More (@MichaelHyatt)

Now I confess that I like sleep. I know it does wonders for me. I am certainly at my best in the morning after a great night’s sleep and enjoy getting up early. So, any study, theory or post on getting sleep and its importance resonates with me. I know from experience that sleep does help me remember things better and be much more focused and clear. Definitely worth a read.

2. Why Apple Doesn’t Tweet by KISSmetrics (@KISSmetrics)

I like this post as it reinforces what many of us have known for a long time. And, more importantly it is “the” example of what every marketer dreams of. Why Tweet and have an account when all your advocates and influencers- your customers – are doing it for you. I am a relatively new Mac convert – only three years, but as I sit here typing on my Mac and my iPhone connected to said Mac and my iPad 15 feet away from me, I realize the true value of the product and how I have counselled many on making the purchase. It is sheer brilliance and reinforcement that good products produce really great brand ambassadors.

3. 35 Life Lessons I Learned from My Father

And, last but not least is my fav. Not because I wrote it, but because on this Fathers’ Day, it is special to me. Next month will mark 34 years that my mother lost her husband and my brother and I lost our father. While sometimes it feels like yesterday and others a lifetime, the fact is that despite only having him in my life for a few short years, I learned a tremendous amount from him. He was an amazing man, husband and father. Happy Fathers’ Day to all the great fathers out there. May all kids have the kind of father I had.

Well those are my three top picks for the week. There are always so many to choose from. Check in next week for the next three. Have a post you want to suggest? Feel free to connect with me @MacLeanHeather

The Sunday Brief (May 11, 2014)

May 11, 2014/0 Comments/in Communications, Human Interest, Marketing/by Heather-Anne MacLean

Welcome to this week’s Sunday Brief. The Sunday Brief is intended to share with you a few of my top picks from the previous week. As I always say, sit back and relax with your favourite cup of Joe and enjoy! (If you have a fav that is not on the list, be sure to let me know).

1.Top Pick of the Week: Over 100 B2B Content Marketing Statistics for 2014

Thanks to Lee Odden (@leeodden) for this one. He has not only reminded us of the fantastic report done by Content Marketing Institute and MarketingProfs, but he provided highlights. You get a good overview of what is working for most marketers and what isn’t.

This is an awesome read and I highly recommend it.

2. Most presentations aren’t bullet proof by Seth Godin

This is an interesting and quick read. Seth points out that we really abuse bullet points and quite frankly don’t know how to use them properly. He has a point. Pun in intended!

3. Bring Back Our Girls by Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

This one is definitely not like the others in this list, but it is in part inspired by this being Mothers’ Day. I find it unconscionable the actions of these men. I find it difficult to believe that in 2014 we continue to have these conversations. The absolute worst however, is that these actions continue to happen. I have written about women’s rights a few times and while I don’t consider myself a feminist – I also abhor labels – I cannot, as a human being, ignore inhuman actions.

Regardless of your age, sex, race or religion, human beings deserve to be treated with dignity and equality. Ignorance and hatred never result in positive results.

Thank you for taking the time for reading The Sunday Brief, if you have comments or suggestions for other great posts from the past week, do comment!

(For more Marketing and Communications, visit us at TaylorMade Solutions.)

May 4, 2014/1 Comment/in Influence, Marketing, Social Media/by Heather-Anne MacLean

Welcome to the Sunday Brief! I have compiled a list of blog posts that I found particularly insightful and useful for clients and friends alike. Sit down with a cup of coffee and check out this week’s Sunday Brief:

1. The Value of a Social Media Audit

My favourite post this week comes from Kathi Kruse, of Kruse Control Inc. She wrote about something very near and dear to me, the value of a social media audit.

I full heartedly agree that every company needs to do a social media audit from time-to-time. In addition, don’t just have anyone do a social media audit, have someone who understands audience, personas, marketing and communications. Remember, social media is not a strategy unto itself. As a result, you need an auditor who knows and understand the bigger picture.

2. Fight The Tyranny of Writing Authorities

There are so many books, blog posts and people willing to give advice these days. And, of course I realize that I am one of them, so the irony of this is not lost on me.

However, that being said, I particularly enjoyed Jack Steiner’s 83,168 Mistakes Every Writer Makes. It is a great read and tells you to listen and yet throw out advice at the same time. The key take-away? We are human and we need to have our human voice in what we write. If we were to listen to every bit of writing advice, everything would be dull and boring crap written exactly the same way. Love it!

3. Times are Changing, are you?

Number three for me this week is sales-related. Jill Konrath, always a good read, doles out interesting food for thought in My Boldest Sales Predictions – Ever.

Jill focuses on people learning agility. I have to agree with her. With our ever changing environment, those who are agile survive. They are able to adapt more quickly and make the changes needed to be happy, productive and producing results.

These are just three of my top reads from this past week. What would you add?

If you missed the posts I shared this week, you can view them here.

Tag Archive for: The Sunday Brief